El Hierro: At least seven migrants, including five women and two girls aged 16 and 5, died as their boat capsized six miles from a dock on El Hierro Island, part of the Canary archipelago.
According to Kuwait News Agency, a Spanish TV channel reported on Wednesday that a baby was still missing. The ill-fated boat was carrying 180 migrants. The boat, which was being towed by a tugboat belonging to the Spanish Maritime rescue forces, capsized as it was preparing to moor. The concentration of passengers at one end of the boat caused it to lose balance and overturn completely, as reported by the television.
An air pocket beneath the boat allowed many individuals to survive until they were rescued. However, many were injured, and more deaths are likely. Fernando Clavijo, President of the Canary Islands, described the event on his 'X' account as a tragedy, expressing deep regret over the incident.
Data from the Spanish non-governmental organization Caminando Fronteras indicates that the journey across the Atlantic Ocean to reach the Canary Islands is considered the deadliest in the world. In its annual report for 2024, the organization stated that there were 9,757 victims on the Canary Islands route, representing 93 percent of total deaths that year.